Tanzania-Kenya gas pipeline 'will boost development'

A new gas pipeline to be built from Tanzania to Kenya is expected to drive development in east Africa, given its potential to provide between 710 and 720MW of power.

Peter Kinuthia, senior energy officer with the East African Community (EAC), explained to East African Business Week that petroleum committee ministers are looking for ways to ensure electricity supplies are reliable and improve energy infrastructure.

The $630 million (£391 million) natural gas pipeline will be discussed by east African energy ministers in October and is expected to help over 126 million citizens by supplying electricity in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

It could potentially be in operation by 2015, running from Dar es Salaam - Tanzania's commercial hub - through Tanga and ending in Mombasa in Kenya.

According to the EAC's feasibility study, benefits of the scheme include cost reductions for Kenyan and Tanzanian industries and consumers, while the government will receive royalties and other benefits from gas sales.

Reduced emissions from industry and power plants will also help the environment.